These strawberry cheesecake stuffed donuts are a fun treat! Imagine soft, fluffy donuts filled with creamy cheesecake and sweet strawberry goodness—yum!
Making these donuts is like a mini dessert adventure! I love how everyone gets excited when they take a bite and find that delicious filling. It’s a great way to enjoy two favorites in one! 🍩🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Active Dry Yeast: This is essential for the donuts to rise. If you’re out, you can use instant yeast. Just skip the proofing step and mix it directly with the dry ingredients!
All-Purpose Flour: If you need a gluten-free option, almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend works well, but the texture will be slightly different. You might want to experiment with the liquid ratios a bit.
Cream Cheese: For a lighter version, you can use Neufchâtel cheese. It has less fat but keeps the same flavor. You could also try mascarpone for a richer filling!
Fresh Strawberries: If strawberries are out of season, you can use frozen ones instead. Just thaw them and drain excess liquid before mixing into the filling.
How Do You Get the Perfect Donut Texture?
The key to perfect donuts is in the kneading and rising. After combining your ingredients, knead the dough until it feels smooth and elastic, about 8-10 minutes. This helps to develop gluten, which gives donuts their structure.
- Allow the dough to rise in a warm spot. The longer it rises, the fluffier the donuts will be!
- When frying, maintain the oil temperature around 350°F (175°C). Too hot, and the outside will burn while the inside stays raw. Too cool, and they’ll absorb excess oil.
Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed Donuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Donuts:
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/4 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
- 3/4 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 egg
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For the Strawberry Glaze and Topping:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped, plus extra for topping
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk (adjust to desired consistency)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, for coating
- Powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 2 hours for the dough to rise and about 30 minutes for preparation and frying. You’ll have scrumptious donuts ready to enjoy in about 2.5 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Donut Dough:
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it gets frothy. In a large bowl, mix together the warm milk, sugar, salt, egg, and softened butter. Then, stir in the yeast mixture.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour to the mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Knead this dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This is where your donuts get their structure!
3. Let the Dough Rise:
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours. You want it to double in size—don’t rush this part!
4. Form the Donuts:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and turn it onto a floured surface. Roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness. Use a round cutter (about 3 inches big) to cut out the donuts and place them on a baking sheet. Cover them and let rise for another 30-45 minutes until puffy.
5. Fry the Donuts:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the donuts in batches, cooking each side for about 1-2 minutes until they are golden brown. Careful not to overcrowd the pot!
6. Cool and Coat:
Drain the fried donuts on paper towels. While they are still warm, gently toss them in granulated sugar and set them aside to cool.
7. Make the Strawberry Cheesecake Filling:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture carefully, then gently fold in the chopped strawberries.
8. Fill the Donuts:
Using a serrated knife, slice each donut horizontally halfway through to create a little pocket. Generously spoon or pipe the strawberry cheesecake filling inside each donut and then reassemble them.
9. Prepare the Strawberry Glaze:
Puree 1 cup of chopped strawberries in a blender or food processor. Mix the puree with powdered sugar and enough milk to make a drizzle-worthy glaze.
10. Finish and Serve:
Drizzle the strawberry glaze over the top of each filled donut and garnish with extra chopped strawberries. Dust with powdered sugar for that extra touch.
Serve these delightful treats immediately and enjoy every soft, creamy, and fruity bite of your strawberry cheesecake stuffed donuts!
Can I Use a Different Type of Fruit for the Filling?
Absolutely! While strawberries are delicious, you can substitute with other berries like blueberries or raspberries, or even use a fruit compote for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the fruit is compatible with the creamy cheesecake filling!
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No problem! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter filling. However, the filling may not be as rich and fluffy as it would be with heavy cream.
How Should I Store Leftover Donuts?
Store any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them, but they are best enjoyed fresh!
Can I Freeze the Donuts?
Yes, you can freeze the unfilled donuts! Just place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature and fill them with the cheesecake mixture for the best flavor and texture.
